Have you ever watched an episode of Iron Chef, Top Chef, Chopped, or one of the myriad of competitive cooking shows and thought to yourself damn I wish I could be there in person?
If you missed the Palm Beach Food and Wine Fest's Grand Tasting last night, you missed your chance -- for this year, at least.
Held at 150 Worth on the island, Chef Eric Grutka of Ian's Tropical Grill in Stuart took home the award and Ten Grand -- $5,000 went to his chosen charity -- for the second year in a row.
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Grutka was up against Chefs Scott Varricchio of Citrus Grillhouse in Vero Beach and Edward Dickens of Emerald Dunes Country Club in West Palm Beach.
Top Chef finalist Lindsay Autry, master sommelier Virigina Philip, owner of the Virginia Philip Wine Shop & Academy in West Palm Beach, and Nathan Stambaugh of Creekstone Farms sat at the judges table.
Each chef brought one secret ingredient -- Grutka brought white miso -- and was given the same cut of meat, teres major, a newly discovered muscle in the shoulder that is comparable to filet mignon, from event sponsor Creekstone Farms.
Grutka's winning dish was Asian Steak and Eggs comprised of miso and honey rubbed teres major, over umami greens with miso, shallot, and garlic topped with a soft boiled egg, corn, and green onions.
"It feels awesome to win, of course," he said. "It was a little unexpected; the competition was high this year."
Of the $10,000 prize, $5,000 is going to be donated to Grutka's chosen charity Celebrities Fore Kids, an organization that raises money for children suffering through cancer.
"It's done a lot for the community I'm in," said Grutka when asked why he picked the organization.
The Palm Beach Food and Wine Fest Grand Tasting took place at 150 Worth in Palm Beach.
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